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Nation-Building, Nationalism, and Wars

Author

Listed:
  • Alberto Alesina

    (Harvard University; Igier)

  • Bryony Reich

    (Northwestern University)

  • Alessandro Riboni

    (Ecole Polytechnique; Crest)

Abstract

This paper explores how the increase in army size observed in early modern times changed the way states conducted wars. Starting in the late 18th century, states switched from mercenaries to a mass army by conscription. We model the incentives of soldiers to exert effort in war and show that as army size increases paying mercenaries is no longer optimal. In order for the population to accept fighting in and enduring war, government elites began to provide public goods, reduced rent extraction, and adopted policies to homogenize the population. We also explore the variety of ways in which homogenization can be implemented, and study its e ects as a function of technological innovation in warfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Alesina & Bryony Reich & Alessandro Riboni, 2017. "Nation-Building, Nationalism, and Wars," Working Papers 2017-80, Center for Research in Economics and Statistics.
  • Handle: RePEc:crs:wpaper:2017-80
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Interstate Conflict; Public Good Provision; Nationalism; Military Revolution; Nation-Building.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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    This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:

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